Filmkunstfest Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Opens with "Altweibersommer" Premiere
The Filmkunstfest Mecklenburg-Vorpommern kicked off its annual celebration of cinema in Schwerin on Tuesday evening with the German premiere of the feature film "Altweibersommer" (Indian Summer). This tragicomedy, marking the directorial debut of Austrian actress Pia Hierzegger, who also stars alongside Ursula Strauss and Diana Amft, is one of ten films vying for the top prize in the feature film competition.
Over the course of the festival, running until Sunday, Schwerin will showcase a diverse selection of 120 films. The organizers are particularly excited to present eleven world premieres to the attending audiences. Building on past successes, the festival expects to draw approximately 15,000 visitors, eager to immerse themselves in the world of independent and artistic filmmaking.
The coveted "Fliegender Ochse" (Flying Ox) award, accompanied by a €10,000 prize, will be bestowed upon the best feature film selected from entries hailing from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Among the contenders is "Wilma will mehr" (Wilma Wants More), directed by Maren-Kea Freese, which will have its world premiere at the festival. The film stars Fritzi Haberlandt as a skilled worker from a lignite mine in the Lusatia region, who is forced to re-evaluate her career and geographical location. Her journey is fraught with disappointments, but also marked by unexpected opportunities and discoveries.
Adding to the international flavor of the festival, the science-fiction drama "Electric Child," already recognized at the Swiss Film Awards, will be presented for the first time to a German audience. This provides a unique chance for German film enthusiasts to engage with contemporary cinematic trends from neighboring countries.
The jury responsible for selecting the winning feature film is being presided over by director Andreas Dresen. Dresen, who grew up in Schwerin and gained his initial artistic experiences there, will also be honored during the festival with the honorary citizenship of the city. This symbolic gesture recognizes his significant contributions to the arts and his enduring connection to Schwerin.
Beyond the feature film category, the Filmkunstfest Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also celebrates excellence in documentary, short, and children’s and youth films through dedicated competitions. A total of 16 awards will be presented across these various categories, with the total prize money amounting to nearly €50,000. This financial support helps to encourage and promote the continued development of independent filmmaking in the region and beyond.
This year, India is the festival’s guest country, offering a curated selection of films that reflect the diverse cinematic landscape of the South Asian nation. Festival director Volker Kufahl emphasized that the festival made a deliberate decision to forgo financial support from the Indian embassy to ensure complete artistic freedom in the film selection process. This independence allowed the festival to include films that might be considered controversial or politically sensitive, such as a work addressing the caste system and the oppression of women, which has not been shown in India itself. "This independence was important to us," Kufahl stated. "The freedom of art must not be restricted."
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister President Manuela Schwesig, arriving late to the opening ceremony due to the protracted process of electing a chancellor in Berlin, highlighted the unique atmosphere of the festival. She praised its wide range of films spanning almost all genres, and the opportunity it provides for audiences to engage directly with filmmakers and actors. "We had a bit too much drama in the German Bundestag today," the SPD politician quipped. "The Chancellor has been elected, the federal government is in place, and we can turn our attention back to the beautiful things in life."
Schwesig also emphasized Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s rich history as a filming location. She affirmed that the state government actively supports films produced in the region, as well as those filmed within its borders, and remains committed to fostering a vibrant film and cinema culture.
The festival’s honorary award this year recognizes the exceptional contributions of actress Barbara Sukowa, 75, to film culture. "Barbara Sukowa is one of the few international film stars we have," Kufahl explained. A tribute will be dedicated to Sukowa, showcasing some of her most celebrated films, including "Rosa Luxemburg" and "Hannah Arendt." This homage celebrates Sukowa’s profound impact on German and international cinema, recognizing her exceptional talent and dedication to the art form.
The "Goldener Ochse" award ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 10th. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include distinguished actors and actresses such as Hanna Schygulla, Senta Berger, Katharina Thalbach, Corinna Harfouch, Bruno Ganz, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Mario Adorf, and Matthias Habich. The legacy of these past honorees underscores the Filmkunstfest Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the luminaries of German-language cinema. The festival’s dedication to independent film and its celebration of cinematic excellence promise another successful year, enriching the cultural landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and beyond.
